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Sail Brisbane 2025 Heads to Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron With Strong Local Focus

Photo Credit: Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron/Facebook

Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron is set to host a major multi-class sailing event that brings young sailors, elite athletes and local families together in Manly for a week of racing on Moreton Bay.

Growing Local Participation

Sail Brisbane 2025 runs from 16 to 20 December at the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron grounds in Manly, with competitors launching from the Manly Boat Harbour into the bay. Sail Brisbane draws sailors from across Australia and the Asia Pacific region. This year’s partnership with Australian Sailing strengthens its role as a development event.

*Photo Credit: Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron/Facebook*

Young sailors, club members and visiting athletes share the same racing space across youth dinghies, Olympic classes and foiling fleets. The event supports pathways for emerging sailors through planning, coaching and community involvement. Organisers stated the regatta continues to evolve through cooperation among clubs and community participants.

Partnership With Australian Sailing

The partnership places the national authority alongside Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron throughout the competition. Australian Sailing supports coaching pathways, club access and consistent standards across the country.

Organisers noted that the collaboration supports coaching and development, helping younger sailors move into higher classes. The timing of the regatta also helps local and visiting athletes prepare for the broader summer racing season.

Wide Range Of Classes

The regatta includes junior, youth and Olympic level classes such as ILCA, 29er, 49er, 49er FX, 420, 470, Flying Eleven, Optimist, Open Skiff, Sabot, Tasar, RS Feva, Nacra classes, Hobie 16, and foiling divisions including iQFoil, Windfoil and Wingfoil.

This mix allows families to attend and support a wide range of competitors while experienced sailors use the event for summer preparation. Sailing instructions, safety details and support boat registration are managed through the squadron noticeboard.

Community And Visitor Impact

Manly’s harbour precinct and nearby accommodation are likely to see increased activity as sailors and supporters travel to the area. The waterfront setting gives competitors direct access to the bay and keeps families, volunteers and visitors close to the action.

Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron encourages early accommodation planning for travelling teams and provides resources to help visiting groups prepare before racing. At the time of reporting, entries remain open through the regatta page.

Published 03-December-2025

Roof Repair Scam Reports Emerge After Manly West Approach

Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

Police have issued an alert after a Manly West resident reported an unsolicited offer for roof work linked to a series of similar approaches across Queensland.

Initial Report in Manly West

On 19 November, a man claiming to be from a roofing service attended a home in Manly West and offered roof upgrades. The resident declined, and the man left as a passenger in a white Nissan Navara. Police later connected the vehicle to similar reports from other Queensland suburbs.

Activity Reported Across Queensland

Investigations show the same vehicle and associated individuals linked to incidents in Svensson Heights, Bundaberg, Caboolture, Strathpine, Capalaba, and Woolloongabba. The group is described as offering low-cost roof maintenance, tile replacement, or cleaning services, resulting in financial losses for targeted residents.

Manly West roof scam — *Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook*

How the Approaches Occur

Police said signs of activity include flyers, signage, or door-to-door offers promoting unusually cheap roof work. These approaches are unsolicited and are believed to focus on elderly and vulnerable community members. Police confirmed the Manly West caller was not the only resident to receive this style of uninvited offer.

Community Reports

Residents across several suburbs have described similar experiences. Comments referenced door-knocking, offers linked to supposed cancellations, and individuals with accents. Reports came from Wynnum, Murgon, Tweed Heads and other areas, indicating the behaviour is being observed in multiple locations. These accounts were shared publicly and reflect community experiences alongside official reports.

Police Guidance

Police have urged residents to verify business credentials, ask for proper licences, be wary of unsolicited offers, and avoid opening the door to unknown visitors. Officers also encouraged reporting any suspicious activity linked to the white Nissan Navara or related individuals.

Queensland scam alert — *Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook*

Reporting Information

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Policelink and quote reference QI2502095926, or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers. Police continue monitoring reports and caution residents to remain alert, particularly after the Manly West approach.

Published 3-Dec-2025

Plans For The Gopher Outline Next Step For The Old Manly Boatshed Location

The Old Manly Boatshed on The Corso, a local favourite for 38 years, is now the focus of a formal proposal to create a new basement venue called The Gopher in its long-time location.

Development Application On Exhibition

The development application was placed on public exhibition from 10 November to 24 November 2025. Council records show the proposal covers shopfront and signage works at 7, 38 to 42 The Corso, the former Boatshed address. The work is valued at 27,500 dollars. The application was lodged by The Gopher Manly, a company registered earlier this year.

The documents show this DA deals with exterior changes only. Internal alterations fall under a separate Complying Development Certificate submitted on 19 September. That certificate allows demolition of the old interior and a new fit out. The papers list the intended use of the space as a restaurant, bar and nightclub.

Planned Changes To The Entrance

Design plans outline new fabric awnings, new timber mouldings shaped to match the building’s existing arches and new solid timber doors. The proposal includes the removal of older timber reveals and tiles so the entrance can be rebuilt with mouldings and finishes that match the building’s style.

The lower section of both walls beside the doorway will receive new feature tiles. A bronze nameplate will show the venue’s name, and a new exterior wall light will sit above the entry. The sketches also show bullnose detailing, decorative timber panels and new tiling at the entry floor. The design uses cornice moulding and matching architraves to align with the building’s existing architectural features.

Closure Of A Long-Time Venue

The Old Manly Boatshed closed in September after almost four decades as a known spot for live music and comedy. Former owner Goff Burgess told the community the closure happened due to circumstances outside the venue’s control.

He noted the decision came as a shock because of the venue’s long history and the support it received from locals. The building has remained vacant since the shutdown. The site’s future has continued to interest residents who followed the Boatshed’s long run as a community venue.

Operator Linked To Local Hospitality Group

Public records link the proposal to director Matt Clifton through The Gopher Manly. Clifton heads the Saga Group, which runs several local hospitality venues including Donny’s Bar, Henry G’s, InSitu and The Hold.

These venues already operate in Manly, and residents are aware of the group’s presence on The Corso.

Published 01-December-2025

Manly Pummelled by 11cm-Hail as Storms Rip Across SEQ

Photo Credit: Reddit

Residents in bayside Manly and nearby suburbs say they watched their street turn white in minutes as giant hailstones punched into roofs and cars, part of a ferocious storm front that tore across South East Queensland and left tens of thousands of homes in the dark.

On Monday, 24 November, the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) reported hail measuring up to 11 centimetres at Manly and suburbs like Ferny Hills and Alexandra Hills at about 3:30 p.m., as supercell thunderstorms flared from the New South Wales border through Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay.

Giant hail, destructive winds and intense lightning cut power to more than 150,000 customers, with Moreton Bay, Ipswich and the Sunshine Coast among the hardest hit.

Community Left Picking Up the Pieces

By early evening, Manly locals were out with torches, tarps and brooms, checking on neighbours and sweeping hail from driveways as the last rumbles of thunder moved north over the bay. On social media, some families in Manly described watching the sky “go green” before the hail hit, while others said they had never seen stones that size in their street. The weather was so violent that Brisbane Airport briefly halted flights after a 107 kilometres per hour wind gust was recorded.

Photos shared with media outlets showed hailstones larger than cricket balls sitting in residents’ hands, with the Bureau confirming the 11-centimetre readings that put Manly among the worst-hit suburbs.

Across Brisbane’s bayside, residents reported damaged roofs, smashed skylights and dented cars as the storm cell swept in off the water. Emergency crews said they had been inundated with calls from the city’s eastern suburbs, including Manly, with the State Emergency Service logging more than 2,200 requests for help across the south-east once the system passed. Brisbane City, Logan and Moreton Bay generated the highest number of SES call-outs.

The damage came after hours of warnings that large and even “giant” hail was likely. BoM and private weather services had flagged “super-cellular” thunderstorms capable of producing hail up to 10 centimetres, as well as damaging winds and heavy rain across the south-east.

Local Resilience and What Comes Next

Despite the scale of the damage, the response in Manly and the surrounding suburbs was swift. SES crews moved from street to street to clear debris and secure damaged roofs, while community groups used social media to match volunteers with residents needing help. Some families in Manly who escaped with only minor damage offered spare rooms and hot showers to friends whose homes had been hit harder, further inland.

BoM indicated that the atmosphere over Queensland remained unstable, meaning more storms were possible in the days following Monday’s outbreak. Residents have been urged to keep an eye on official updates and follow SES advice about securing loose items, moving cars under cover, and staying indoors if new warnings are issued.

Published 25-Nov-2025

Gas Carrier Propulsion Loss in Port of Brisbane Highlights Procedure Issues

Photo Credit: Australian Transport Safety Bureau

A liquefied gas carrier lost propulsion while departing the Port of Brisbane after an electrical blackout caused by generators that were not set for automatic load sharing.

Operational Conditions Before Departure

On 15 March 2025, the 100-metre gas carrier Gaschem Homer was departing from the BP Products berth in the Port of Brisbane under pilotage. The vessel had completed cargo discharge operations at 4:24 a.m. after arriving on 14 March 2025. Recent heavy rainfall had resulted in debris and stronger ebb flows along the Brisbane River, leading to temporary movement restrictions and the allocation of a tug for departure.

During standard preparations, the crew started all three diesel generators and conducted equipment checks, including tests of the bow thruster and main engine. While two generators were synchronised for automatic operation earlier, they were returned to manual mode and left in that state.

*Photo Credit: Australian Transport Safety Bureau*

Electrical Blackout During Manoeuvring

At 11:04 a.m., while the ship was being turned towards the port entrance, the only generator available for load sharing overloaded when the bow thruster was operated at full thrust. This resulted in a complete loss of electrical supply, propulsion and steering.

The blackout lasted about two minutes. During this period, the attending tug kept the ship centred in the channel while the crew restarted generators and restored power. No injuries or damage were reported.

Port of Brisbane blackout — *Photo Credit: Australian Transport Safety Bureau*

Findings from the ATSB Investigation

The ATSB determined that the generator configuration prevented the power management system from distributing electrical load across multiple units. Although all generators were running, two were in manual mode, meaning they could not share load. The blackout occurred when the single available generator tripped due to overload.

The ship’s safety management system relied on generic procedures that did not reflect the specifics of the ship’s electrical systems. The pre-departure checklist included only a broad reference to generator readiness and did not require confirmation of generator mode status. With the crew focused on monitoring debris risks to cooling systems, the incorrect configuration was not detected.

ATSB investigation — *Photo Credit: Australian Transport Safety Bureau*

Safety Actions Undertaken

Hartmann Gas Carriers conducted a risk assessment of power management failure modes across its fleet. Additional safety controls were introduced, including guidelines for blackout prevention and procedures to ensure generators were configured for automatic load sharing during manoeuvring.

Checklists for departure and arrival were revised to include generator mode verification. A power demand matrix was developed to specify generator requirements under different operational conditions. Targeted training for watchkeeping engineers and improved communication processes between the bridge and engine room were also implemented.

Implications for Vessel Operations in the Port of Brisbane

The incident demonstrated how an incorrectly configured power system can lead to propulsion loss in a confined and high-risk environment such as the Brisbane River. The updated procedures, verification steps and training aim to reduce the likelihood of similar events during future operations.

Published 20-Nov-2025

Manly’s Strategy: Why 34 School Teams Took Video Game Seriously

Thirty-four school teams across Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE), representing a broad community spirit that stretches to suburbs like Manly, traded textbooks for tactics in a massive strategy-based video game competition that proved gaming is a serious pathway to developing career skills.

The BCE Minecraft Esports Gala Day, a two-day event held on November 6 and 7, saw students from primary and secondary schools gather at San Sisto College in Carina. The challenge was ‘Capture the Flag’, played within the controlled environment of Minecraft Education. Students did not rely on chance; they used pure intellectual effort and teamwork to capture flags before the time limit expired.

Esports: The New Classroom

video game — *Photo Credit:* *Brisbane Catholic Education/ Facebook*

The competition was managed by The FUSE Cup, an organisation that focuses on fostering positive gaming habits and digital citizenship in schools.

BCE’s involvement in Esports demonstrates a clear commitment to modern learning. A Senior Advisor for Learning and Experience at BCE, Ange Barton, noted that the students did not simply turn up to play; they had been practising and strategising their game plans for months. Ms Barton emphasised that competitive gaming offers students the chance to explore skills vital to the modern global industry, including leadership and strategic direction.

BCE believes that its 77,000 students have varied interests, and Esports provides a valuable opportunity, just like other whole-of-system competitions such as Rugby 7’s and STEM MAD (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Making a Difference). The event was focused on developing future-focused skills in areas like strategy, problem-solving, negotiation, and teamwork, preparing students for an ever-changing professional world.

Safe, Social, and Supportive

The competition distinguished itself from typical online gaming by promoting healthy gaming habits. A key difference was that students competed against others who were physically present in the same room, rather than opponents playing online from unknown locations.

Ms Barton stressed that this in-person, controlled environment ensures the competition is safe, structured, supervised, supportive, social, inclusive, and values-focused.

The FUSE Cup’s Chief Operating Officer, Dan Martinez, supported this philosophy, confirming that their competitions are designed to be safe, structured, and values-focused to support young students’ wellbeing while they participate in competitive school-based activities.

A Year 11 student from San Sisto College named Caitlain said the competition was a great chance to represent her school in a fun manner. She explained that she got to learn new things and compete against real people, highlighting the social and competitive advantages of the format.

Community Teams Engage

Thirty-four teams participated in the inaugural event. Day one featured primary school teams, including All Saint’s Primary School (Albany Creek), St Mary MacKillop Primary School (Birkdale), and Our Lady of Assumption School (Enoggera).

Day two involved secondary colleges such as Carmel College (Thornlands), St Columban’s College (Caboolture), Trinity College (Beenleigh), and the host, San Sisto College (Carina). The broad representation across the system cemented the competition as a vibrant community event celebrating diverse student talents.

Published Date 19-November-2025

Man Charged Over Late-Night Fireworks at Lota Jetty

Photo Credit: myPolice Centenary

A 35-year-old man is set to appear in court later this month following community complaints about fireworks being set off at a Lota jetty in the early hours of a Saturday morning.

Queensland Police have charged a Kelvin Grove man after investigating reports of fireworks discharged at the waterfront location around 12.30am on 19 October.

According to police allegations, several people ignited a container of fireworks at the jetty before leaving the area via the Esplanade towards Cobar Street. Officers launched an investigation in response to concerns raised by local residents.

The investigation led police to execute a search warrant at a Bellevue Parade property on 9 November. During the search, officers allegedly discovered a box of fireworks along with cannabis plants and cannabis products.

The Kelvin Grove man has been charged with requiring authority to possess explosives, possessing dangerous drugs, and producing dangerous drugs. He is scheduled to face Wynnum Magistrates Court on 24 November.

Possessing and using fireworks without proper authorisation has been illegal in Queensland since 1972. The state maintains strict regulations on explosive materials, with only licensed professionals permitted to conduct authorised fireworks displays.

Police have indicated that their investigation remains active. Detectives are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant footage to come forward. Residents with CCTV or dashcam recordings from the area during the early morning hours of 19 October are encouraged to contact authorities.

Those with information can reach Policelink through the online suspicious activity form at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or by phoning 131 444. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersqld.com.au, quoting reference number QP2502031229.

Published 17-November-2025

Manly War Memorial: The Full Story of the Vandalised Statue

Photo Credit: Anzac Square

Before it was a cherished park, the site of the Manly War Memorial was a simple water reserve known as the Manly Dam, chosen to become a place of honour for 16 local men.

A Solemn Beginning

The community first gathered for the memorial’s dedication on 5 March 1921. It was established to remember 16 local men who did not return from the First World War. The original structure was impressive, featuring a life-sized soldier crafted from white Carrara marble. This statue stood on a pedestal of Helidon brown freestone and a base of Enoggera granite, representing the qualities of the ideal Australian: courage, loyalty, and youth.

A Symbol Targeted

Over the years, the memorial sadly became a target for vandalism. This destructive behaviour reached a low point in 1992 when the marble soldier was torn from its pedestal and its head was broken off. For many years after this incident, the pedestal stood empty, a stark reminder of the statue’s absence and a source of distress for the local community.

The Digger’s Return

The community did not give up on its memorial. In 2007, a concrete replica of the original soldier was installed, finally filling the space. The figure stands in the traditional position of remembrance, with its head bowed and arms reversed. In a surprising twist, the damaged original marble statue, which many thought was lost forever, was found in 2013. It had been stored in a Brisbane City Council depot in Lota.

From Water Reserve to Honoured Park

The ground on which the memorial stands has its own deep history. Before it was a place of remembrance, the land was a water reserve known as the Manly Dam. In 1919, the local mayor, Richard Russell, selected the site for the memorial park. In recognition of his foresight, the park was officially named Richard Russell Park in 1990.

The site’s importance to the state was formally recognised when it was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 1992. Today, the memorial honours not only the original 16 men but also the 21 locals who died in the Second World War, along with those who served in the Korean and Vietnam wars.

Published Date 10-November-2025

Quick Carina Retail Sale Shows Strong Investor Interest in Brisbane’s East

A retail centre in Carina has changed hands in a fast sale after buyers moved quickly to secure the property. The high-exposure site on Old Cleveland Road sold for $6.1 million after just 10 days on the market, reflecting strong demand and competition for well-located retail assets in Brisbane’s east.

Strong Interest in Carina’s Retail Market

The Carina property, at 828 Old Cleveland Road, features a two-level building with 11 tenancies, anchored by fitness brand BFT Gyms. The 1,109-square-metre site earns more than $350,000 in annual net income and occupies a 1,486-square-metre corner lot in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held eastern corridors.

The sale, managed by RWC Retail’s Michael Feltoe and Lachlan O’Keeffe alongside RWC Gateway’s Marc Zietsman and Josh Jones, attracted multiple competitive offers within its first week on the market. The agents said the quick sale reflected limited supply in the local retail market and the way buyers are acting decisively when quality opportunities come up.

Third Time the Property Found Its Match

According to the sales team, this was the third time the property had been brought to market, and this campaign finally found the right balance of timing, audience, and strategy. The marketing effort drew multiple competitive offers, and the centre went under contract at the asking price, underlining strong buyer interest in Carina’s retail market.

The agents added that the outcome showed how the right strategy, audience, and timing can connect buyers with premium neighbourhood retail assets. The sale also adds to RWC Retail and RWC Gateway’s growing track record of premium outcomes for Brisbane retail properties, underscoring continued confidence in the city’s investment market.

Limited Supply Drives Faster Sales

The sales team noted that in tightly held suburbs like Carina, limited supply is prompting buyers to make quicker decisions. With fewer available retail properties and strong demand for quality centres, buyers are acting quickly when opportunities like this arise.

With 11 established tenancies, including a gym operator, the centre continues to provide a mix of services to customers in Carina and nearby suburbs, maintaining its role as a key part of the area’s local business landscape.

Published 10-Nov-2025

From Manly to Nambour: The Rise and Fall of a Queensland Preserving Company

Photo Credit: Pexels

The Manly Fruit and Preserving Company, a small jam and fruit canning enterprise in Manly, played a short yet significant role in Queensland’s early food manufacturing before relocating to Nambour in 1927.

Origins at Wyvernleigh Estate

The company’s beginnings trace back to Wyvernleigh, the first brick and stone residence built on Manly Hill in the 1860s. Established by Thomas Jones in 1862, the property later passed to Joseph Leuthwaite, the Arnold family, and eventually William Parker in 1909. During the early 1900s, the Shepherd family leased the estate and began producing fruit preserves in a shed on the property, laying the foundation for what became the Manly Fruit and Preserving Company.

fruit preserving — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Transition to Church Property

In 1925, the Wyvernleigh property was purchased for future church use, marking the end of the jam factory’s operations on the site. The original shed, known locally as the jam factory, was dismantled and its timber reused to build a parish hall for the newly established St John Vianney’s Catholic Church. Under Father Butler’s direction and with the help of local builders Percy Shepherd and Vince Grotty, the hall became a key community venue for local events and gatherings.

Golden Bay Preserves — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Relocation and Expansion to Nambour

Seeking growth opportunities, the company relocated to Nambour in 1927, acquiring the Olympic Hall on Howard Street. This new site placed it at the centre of Queensland’s fruit-growing region, providing access to fresh produce and rail transport. The facility installed modern equipment to produce citrus juices, jams, pickles, tomato preserves, passionfruit pulp, and canned pineapples. Operations began in August 1927, when the first batch of 300 cases of canned pineapples was prepared for Western Australia.

Manly Fruit and Preserving Company — *Photo Credit: Trove*

Fire and Closure

The Nambour factory’s success was short-lived. In September 1928, a major fire destroyed the plant, wiping out its machinery and stock. Limited insurance coverage prevented the company from rebuilding, leading to the end of operations.

Legacy

Although the Manly Fruit and Preserving Company ceased to exist after the fire, its story remains significant to both Manly and Nambour. Surviving artefacts such as tins labelled “Golden Bay Preserves” serve as reminders of its contribution to Queensland’s early preserving industry. The company’s history reflects the entrepreneurial drive of the 1920s, linking two Queensland communities through innovation and local production.

Published 3-Nov-2025